(MOREPIC1) Akhilesh Bansal/Barnala/Chandigarh
In a significant development for rail connectivity in Punjab, the Ministry of Railways has approved key request, a stoppage of the Ferozepur–Delhi Vande Bharat Express (Train Nos. 26461/26462) at Barnala, raised by Rajya Sabha Member Padma Shri Rajinder Gupta during his recent meeting with Union Minister for Railways, Information & Broadcasting, and Electronics & Information Technology, Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw.
This was Shri Gupta’s first formal meeting with the Railway Minister after his election to the Rajya Sabha. During the interaction, Shri Gupta had strongly advocated for a halt of the recently launched Vande Bharat Express at Barnala, highlighting the long-standing demand of residents, traders, and commuters from the region. The Railway Ministry has now accepted this request, acknowledging the importance of Barnala as a growing economic and social hub.
The approval of this demand comes as a major relief to the people of Barnala, Sangrur, Bathinda, and surrounding areas, who have been seeking enhanced rail services for years. Notably, Union Minister of State for Railways Shri Ravneet Bittu had also supported the demand for a Vande Bharat halt at Barnala.
Expressing gratitude, Shri Rajinder Gupta thanked the Railway Minister and the Ministry of Railways for their positive and prompt response, stating that these decisions will significantly boost regional development, ease travel for passengers, and strengthen economic linkages with Delhi and other major cities.
The approvals reaffirm the government’s commitment to responsive governance and improved railway infrastructure in Punjab.
